The Juneau Police Department is joined by nonprofits, businesses, school groups, and government departments, each of which is choosing one week out of the year to engage in a spurt of compassionate acts. Corrections officers are up first.

It’s not just a gesture of goodwill. At year’s end, Sell plans to measure whether the surge is accompanied by a decline in rates of crime, suicide, and 911 calls. Juneau is a small place, and usually a safe one, but it sees its share of violence and tragedy.

“Can you change the quality of life in a community and prove that you have done so?” Sell asked ABC.

Let’s hope so. For Juneau, and for so many other American cities and towns looking for a better tomorrow.